News Article

ATK announce 3 new crucial signings

Two-time ISL Champions ATK announced today that the team has let go off Njazi Kuqi, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Augustin Fernandes and have signed their replacements.

They have been replaced with former Bristol City player David Cotterill (Winger), along with former player of Tampa Bay Rowdies, Martin Paterson (Striker) and former Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper Soram Poirei. Welsh ace David Cotterill is a versatile player who has a fantastic ability with the ball. Martin Paterson played for Port Vale in EFL League One in 2016 and has also played as forward for Tampa Bay Rowdies. Goalkeeper Soram Poirei started his career with Shillong Lajong and has played for Bengaluru FC for I-League and Delhi Dynamos in Indian Super League in 2016.

David Rhys George Best Cotterill is a Welsh international footballer who plays as a winger. Born in Cardiff, Cotterill began his career at Bristol City before signing for Premier League Wigan Athletic where he spent two seasons before switching to Sheffield United, initially on loan and then later on a permanent deal.

From United, Cotterill transferred to Swansea City in his native Wales, before spending a spell on loan at Portsmouth and then transferring to Barnsley. It was from Barnsley that Cotterill signed for near neighbours Doncaster Rovers, where he spent two seasons before joining Birmingham City. He spent the second half of the 2016–17 season on loan to Bristol City. Cotterill's contract with Birmingham was cancelled by mutual consent in December 2017.

His previous club paid a heartful tribute to him

“It is an honour to play for ATK. Kolkata has hosted the biggest teams and players in the past and has a rich footballing history. To play for the two-time ISL champion is a challenge which I am excited to take on.

- David Cotterill, ATK

Martin Andrew Paterson is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United Soccer League. He won 23 caps for Northern Ireland in a seven-year international career from 2007 to 2014 and scored three international goals. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, he began his career with Stoke City, making his senior debut in April 2005. He failed to win a regular first team place however and had a loan spell at Grimsby Town in the 2006–07 season, before he was allowed to join Scunthorpe United in July 2007.

He had loan spells at Bristol City, Fleetwood Town, and MLS club Orlando City. He was released by Huddersfield and then had a brief spell with Orlando City, before he spent the 2015–16 season with Blackpool. He joined Port Vale for a four-month spell in August 2016, before returning to America to play for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in March 2017.

“I look forward to score goals for ATK and hopefully help the team in qualifying for the play-offs. We all know the pressure that comes for playing for the two -time ISL Champions. I hope to enthral my fans and deliver with my performances.”

-Martin Paterson, ATK

Soram Poirei Anganba is an Indian professional footballer who plays between the posts. The goalkeeper has plenty of experience as he has played for the likes of Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan, Delhi Dynamos and Aizawl.

“I am excited to once again play in Indian Super League under ATK this season. I will back my team with my support and qualities.”